'Sex Education' actor Simone Ashley joins Netflix's 'Bridgerton'
What's the story
Netflix's Bridgerton is riding high on the success of its first season. The scope for this series based on Julia Quinn's novels is getting bigger with the spotlight now on the romantic escapades of another couple. And Sex Education's Simone Ashley has been roped in to play the lead character for the next chapter of this period drama. Dear readers, are you excited?
Role call
Second season will remain focused on the Bridgertons
The first season of the show focused on Daphne Bridgerton (played by Phoebe Dynevor) and Simon Basset (essayed by Regé-Jean Page). Viewers saw how the leads crossed paths and stayed together, fighting all odds. By the end of the first season, the focus shifted to Anthony Bridgerton (played by Jonathan Bailey), who inherited the Viscount title after his father's demise.
Casting
Ashley will play Anthony's love interest
As per plans, Ashley would be playing Anthony's love interest in the show. His relationship with opera singer Siena ended in tragedy in the first season. There is, however, an interesting twist when it comes to the identity of her character named Kate. Though Quinn's second book, The Viscount Who Loved Me, identifies Anthony's love interest as Kate Sheffield, Ashley will play Kate Sharma.
Plot
Season 2 continues the re-imagination of diverse 19th century England
As part of a smart move to transform racial inequalities in early 19th century England, show creator Shonda Rhimes presented a utopian society where even characters of color, such as Simon, are considered nobles. Therefore, the official synopsis of the second season imagines Ashley as Kate Sharma, a headstrong young woman new to London who "suffers no fools."
Statement
'Bridgerton' showrunner promised an entertaining second season
About the second season, Bridgerton showrunner Chris Van Dusen said, "Anthony is going to have a love interest next season, and I think it's going to be as sweeping and moving and as beautiful as viewers of the first season have come to expect from the show." Besides Sex Education, Ashley has also starred in the limited series The Sister and the third season of Broadchurch.